Four-time World Cup winners Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semifinals of the European playoffs for the 2026 tournament, following the draw on Thursday.

Italy to face N Ireland in 2026 World Cup playoffs

Norway qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after Erling Haaland struck again in a 4-1 thumping of Italy on Sunday which sealed a spot in next summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland's Norway thump Italy to qualify for first World Cup since 1998

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso on Monday called for "maximum commitment" from his side as the Azzurri's bid to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup is no longer in their hands.

Gattuso wants 'maximum commitment' with Italy's World Cup bid on the line

Harry Kane scored twice as England thrashed Latvia 5-0 on Tuesday to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were forced to wait to clinch their spot at the finals after being held by Hungary.

England clinch 2026 World Cup qualification, Portugal forced to wait

Italy beat Estonia 3-1 in Saturday's 2026 World Cup qualifier in Tallinn before a contested group I fixture with Israel which will be flanked by pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Italy beat Estonia in World Cup qualifier before contested Israel clash

Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante is hopeful that the announcement of an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Thursday will lead to a full stadium for his side's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel.

Italy's Cristante hopes Israel-Hamas agreement stops fan boycott

Gennaro Gattuso said on Tuesday that that he felt heartache over the two-year-long war in Gaza ahead of two 2026 World Cup qualifiers, one of which will be against Israel.

Italy's Gattuso expresses Gaza heartache ahead of Israel clash

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso lauded his side's fighting spirit after they came out on top in a crazy nine-goal World Cup qualifier against Israel on Monday, but conceded there is a fragility to his team.

Gattuso praises Italy's comeback against Israel but worried by fragility

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Highlights from the match between Germany and Italy which took place at Signal Iduna Park.

Germany v Italy | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Italy and Germany which took place at Stadio San Siro.

Italy v Germany | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Italy and France which took place at the Stadio San Siro

Italy v France | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Belgium and Italy which took place at Stade Roi Baudouin, Bruxelles (Brussel).

Belgium v Italy | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Italy and Israel which took place in Udine, Italy.

Italy v Israel | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Italy and Belgium which took place at Stadio Olimpico

Italy v Belgium | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Israel and Italy which took place at Bozsik Arena

Israel v Italy | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

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